But Chinese state media have reported that Mr Kovrig is being held “on suspicion of engaging in activities that harm China’s state security”

Mr Kovrig currently works for think thank the International Crisis Group (ICG), who have said they are concerned for his health and safety.

At a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said Mr Kovrig’s case had been raised directly with Chinese officials.

She also said a second Canadian had contacted them earlier in the week because “he was being asked questions by Chinese authorities”.

She did not name the individual, saying it was “delicate situation” and she wanted to respect his privacy.

But Mr Bérubé later named the man in a statement as Mr Spavor and said he was “presently missing in China”.

China state media confirmed on Thursday that, as with the previous arrest, Mr Spavor was under investigation on suspicion of “engaging in activities that endanger China’s national security”.

Mr Spavor runs an organisation called Paektu Cultural Exchange, which organises business, culture and tourism trips to North Korea.

He is a regular visitor to North Korea and was a well known commenter on Korean issues. His last tweet, on Sunday, said he was about to travel to Seoul in South Korea, but he did not arrive on Monday as planned.